Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul

Before commenting on Caroline's "Entering the Castle", it is important to note how her book is based on sixteenth-century mystic St. Teresa de Avila (Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda). When St. Teresa wrote her theological treatises, the Church did not consider women competent to be authors in general, nor to write about theology, in particular. Although in her book "The Interior Castle" (Las Moradas), St. Teresa proved theologians of the time wrong on both counts, she had to write in a circumspect and self-deprecating style in order to pass the scrutiny of the Inquisitors. These limitations made her writings cumbersome and somewhat fragmented. In her book "Entering the Castle", Caroline Myss has liberated St. Teresa from the suffocating Inquisition, and has brought sixteenth-century psychology of the spirit to the twenty-first century. Caroline's book offers courage, methodology and hope about how, independent of religious affiliation, we can enter our own "castle" to navigate our spiritual journey. More importantly however, Caroline very wisely suggests, we must be "mystics out of the monastery" so that we can reach others with the wealth of spirit required to advance global consciousness. As a clinical psychologist who teaches mystics wellness on their arduous journey to find union with the divine, I strongly recommend "Entering the Castle", for anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance that goes beyond New Age "quick fix".

Myss has been teaching on human consciousness and spirituality for over 25 years. She describes the mystical journey in this book based on teachings of St Theresa of Avila. "Entering the Castle" is intended as a guide into mysticism. The idea presented in the book is to become mystics without monastaries. This requires answering three key questions: (1) Why was I born? (2) What is my greater purpose in my life? (3) How can I be of service? The Castle spoken of in this book is our inner center - a place where can find sanctuary, peace and guidance. Through contemplation we can access this Castle within. The ideas in this book are based on St. Theresa of Avila's THE INTERIOR CASTLE, where she mentions seven mansions i.e. stages through which the soul passes in its mystical journey to union with the Divine. "Entering the Castle" gives an inner dimension to our spiritual work that is at times lacking in current spiritual literature, which is more concerned with achievement and prosperity as end goals rather than inner development of the self. So I am glad to come across this book. I also found "THE POWER OF NOW" and "A NEW EARTH" by Eckhart Tolle to reflect higher spiritual wisdom, along with "NEXUS: A NEO NOVEL" by Morrison & Singh, which offers a compelling journey of transformation based on connecting to our center called "the Nexus."

Entering the Castle has showed me where my treasure is... within. I experienced entering my own castle and it continues to be quite a journey. Caroline's passion is so embedded into this work, that it is hard for me to read accusations of her being too "preachy" or "condescending". Rather, I see a woman who has experienced the Divine and who demands of herself and the listener the utmost reverence and gratitute for the journey itself. She has judgments like we all do, but please realize that this journey is not about what you can create or get, but instead, it is about going into yourself and dialoguing with the GOD presence within to find out how you can be of service to yourself, the people around you and the world, by becoming a channel for grace!!! Manifestation is awesome, but this work's purpose is not to teach you or help you manifest. If that's what you're looking for then watch "The Secret" or read " The Science of Getting Rich" . If you are aching for a deeper communion with your soul and God, then look no further. A direct connection with your soul is beyond words! Blessings to all.

There is such a great need for a deep connection into the soul, especially when we live in such a chaotic world. This book seems to take you into that mystical experience with great care, compassion and love, as does the CD. Caroline tells us there is work to be done and I think that is SUCH a welcoming concept - especially when the "quick fix" is in vogue and so transient. REAL personal growth requires a dedication, devotion and discipline. Caroline, through Teresa, is able to show the way. Cleverly the text provides a sacred journey for anyone, of any creed. There may be many spiritual texts but there are few written in the common language for the lay person. There are many teachers - there are few willing to take us into our depths and carry us through to an experience with God. There are many books we could chose - Here is one that offers a gift of grace for anyone and everyone willing to pick it up - how extra-ordinary is that? There are millions of people in the world - there is only one extra-ordinary Caroline Myss I hope and pray the world is ready for such a rich text as this....Thank you Caroline